The Assumption of Command ceremony on January 7, 2016 was attended by the senior leadership of the U.S. Southern Command and a number of service members.
Brigadier General Kevin M. Iiams
took command of U.S. Marine Corps Forces, South
during an Assumption of Command ceremony January 7, 2016.
The Marines and sailors of MARFORSOUTH hosted the ceremony at the Conference Center of the Americas. The ceremony was attended by the senior leadership of the U.S. Southern Command and several service members from SOUTHCOM.
General John F. Kelly, commander of the U.S. Southern Command, acted as the presiding official for the event. Kelly recognized the accomplishments of the MARFORSOUTH Marines and sailors, keying in on the importance of what the component command contributes to the Department of Defense and SOUTHCOM’s missions. He ended his comments with a warm welcome to Brig. Gen. Iiams and his wife.
Once welcomed, the new commander, a native of New Orleans, spoke to the Marines he recently assumed command over and addressed the senior leadership of SOUTHCOM. Brig. Gen. Iiams expressed his thanks for Gen. Kelly’s leadership and more than 40 years of active service in the U.S. armed forces. Brig. Gen. Iiams also relayed his appreciation for the opportunity to serve in such a unique capacity as a component commander and that he looks forward to the years ahead with the command.